CHAPTER 3: "EXPERT INSIGHTS"

_*The next morning, Akira and Sarah sat in Akira's living room, laptops open, waiting for Doctor Matsumoto's video call.*_

**Akira** _(nervously)_ Sarah, thanks for being here with me. Doctor Matsumoto's insights will hopefully guide me through this emotional labyrinth.

**Sarah** _(reassuringly)_ Always here for you, Akira. We'll face this together.

**Doctor Matsumoto's face appeared on screen with a warm smile**

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(friendly)_

Good morning, Akira, Sarah! Thanks for inviting Sarah into this session – support systems are crucial.

**Akira** _(relieved)_

Thanks for understanding, Doctor. Sarah knows everything now.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(nodding)_

Excellent. Akira, shall we dive into Sympathetic Arousal Syndrome's roots – your childhood emotional neglect – and explore re-wiring your brain for deeper connections?

**Sarah** _(encouragingly)_

Yes, Doctor, please explain everything.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(launching into explanation)_

Akira's brain adapted to emotional absence by mimicking intimacy vicariously. To re-wire:

**Acknowledge emotional neglect**: Recognize childhood patterns.

**Practice self-intimacy**: Develop emotional awareness, self-love.

**Relearn touch and affection**: With trusted individuals, like Ryota or friends.

**Couples therapy (optional)**: If Akira desires to deepen emotional intimacy with Ryota.

**Akira's Thoughts** _(italic)_

_This roadmap helps, but where do I start? Feeling overwhelmed already._

**Akira** _(thoughtfully)_

Doctor, this helps clarify things. But...how do I start practicing self-intimacy and relearning touch?

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(smiling)_

Excellent question, Akira. Sarah can help with some exercises. I'll guide you both through initial steps during our next session.

**Sarah** _(determined)_

We'll work on those exercises daily, Doctor. Akira will reclaim emotional intimacy!

**Akira** _(hopeful)_ Really, Sarah, you'll help me with these exercises?

**Sarah** _(firmly)_ Always, Akira. We'll start with self-intimacy – journaling emotions, solo activities bringing joy...then gradually move to touch and affection practices.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(nodding approval)_

Exactly right, Sarah! Akira, your friend understands the approach perfectly.

**Akira's Thoughts** _(italic)_

_Sarah gets me like no one else...feeling grateful for her presence in my life._

**Akira** _(smiling warmly)_ Thanks, Sarah. Doctor Matsumoto, what about Ryota – should I share all this with him yet?

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(thoughtfully)_

Akira, disclose this information when you feel emotionally ready. Perhaps after starting self-intimacy exercises and observing positive shifts within yourself?

**Sarah** _(adding her insight)_

I think Doctor Matsumoto's right, Akira. Ryota might not understand Sympathetic Arousal Syndrome initially. Your emotional growth will help him see the positive changes in you.

**Akira** _(nodding slowly)_

That makes sense. I'll wait until I feel stronger emotionally before sharing this with Ryota.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(smiling)_

Excellent decision, Akira. Sarah, please encourage Akira to schedule our next session in two weeks to review progress.

**Sarah** _(noting it down)_

Got it, Doctor. Two weeks from today for Akira's progress update.

**Akira** _(feeling hopeful again)_

Thanks, Doctor Matsumoto, Sarah...my heart feels lighter knowing I'm taking steps towards emotional healing.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(warmly)_

You're welcome,

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(warmly)_

...Akira. Remember, emotional intimacy growth is a journey. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout.

**Akira** _(smiling softly)_

I will, Doctor. Thanks again for guiding me towards healing.

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(smiling back)_

Anytime, Akira. Sarah, keep supporting her – friendship therapy is powerful!

**Sarah** _(laughing)_

Always, Doctor. Friendship therapy – I like that term!

**Doctor Matsumoto** _(chuckling)_

Glad you approve, Sarah! Now, I'll let you both start Akira's emotional intimacy journey. Schedule that next session in two weeks!

**Akira** _(confirming)_

Will do, Doctor. Thanks again.

_*Doctor Matsumoto's video call ended, leaving Akira and Sarah sitting in comfortable silence for a moment.*_

**Sarah** _(breaking the silence)_

Akira, feel hopeful after talking to Doctor Matsumoto?

**Akira** _(nodding enthusiastically)_

Yes, Sarah – finally, a roadmap to emotional healing! Thanks for being my rock during this call.

**Sarah** _(smiling warmly)_

Always your rock, Akira. Now, shall we start brainstorming self-intimacy exercises and journal prompts for you?

**Akira** _(excitedly)_

Yes, please – let's dive in! My emotional intimacy journey begins now.

**Sarah** _(laughing)_

Attitude like that will heal your heart in no time, Akira!

Akira and Sarah spent the rest of the day planning exercises and journal prompts, marking the beginning of Akira's emotional intimacy journey.

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